CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE - Victor’s Return

"You seem... happier," she said cautiously. "With your father around." Mason paused, considering her words. "I guess I am. It's strange – I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for him to reveal some hidden agenda. But so far..." Claire sat on the edge of the bed, patting the space beside her. Mason joined her, taking her hand in his. "What if there is no hidden agenda?" Claire asked softly. "What if he really has changed?" Mason sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I want to believe that. I do. But there's still this voice in the back of my mind, warning me to be careful." Claire leaned her head on his shoulder. "That's understandable. You've been hurt before. But Mason, I've seen how you light up when you're talking about work with him. How engaged you both are. Maybe... maybe this is the fresh start you both needed." Mason was quiet for a long moment, absently tracing patterns on Claire's palm. "You really think so?" Claire lifted her head, meeting his gaze. "I think